What’s the homeschool difference?

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With all the news about budget cuts, drop out rates and school violence, a growing number of parents are looking for alternatives to traditional public education. Many of them are choosing to teach their kids at home. Homeschoolers only represent about 3% of K-12 students. But that’s two million kids –and their numbers are rising.

To the uninitiated, the idea of home-based education might sound daunting. But advocates of homeschooling say the pros outweigh the cons. Their children are free to learn what they want, how they want and when they want. They aren’t subjected to bullying, peer pressure, apathetic teachers, rigid school schedules or a one-size-fits-all approach to education. Parents get more control over the curriculum and families spend more time together. Studies show that homeschoolers do well on standardized tests and many go on to prestigious colleges and successful careers.

How do parents do it? Are the kids getting what they need? And what do the kids say – before and after?